starline tours and travels

Starline Tours

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The Original Celebrity Homes Tour

Los Angeles: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Los Angeles Private Custom Tour

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Starline Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Starline Tours of Hollywood

Review Highlights

“ We had taken the TMZ tour earlier and enjoyed that so wanted to take another. ” in 7 reviews

“ Thoroughly enjoyed the tour that covered Hollywood, the Farmers Market, Beverly Hills , and Santa Monica. ” in 65 reviews

“ He was super funny and knew a ton of information when it came to showing us the homes! ” in 8 reviews

Location & Hours

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6801 Hollywood Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90028

Serving Los Angeles Area

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About the Business

Welcome to Starline Tours of Hollywood, L.A.'s premiere choice in sightseeing and #1 in celebrity tours. Located in the heart of Hollywood, Starline Tours is the largest tour company in Los Angeles, offering a full range of tours. We have been featured on hit shows like Ellen, American Idol, the Muppet Movies, Iron Man 3, NBC's Today Show and showcased on the Travel Channel. We've also been written about in the LA Times, USA Today and other reputable newspapers and travel magazines from around the world. Starline originated as the Movie Stars Homes Tour when Mr. Sid Grauman, creator of the famous Chinese Theatre, gave his chauffeur (Bud Delp) the idea of driving people around Hollywood to see the homes of celebrities, back in 1935. We are still the leader in this tour today. For movie enthusiasts, we have the Warner Brothers VIP Tour and The Movie Locations Tour (presented with Turner Classic Movies), which recently has been added to our tour selection. Starline's City Sightseeing Los Angeles covers over 100 miles of route, with guided narration in nine different languages, making it the largest Hop-on Hop-off service in the world! Also included in our tour portfolio, are our Grand Tour of L.A, City and Beach tours, 1-Hour Fun Tours and Night Tours. We also have tours to take you to Southern California's major attractions like Universal Studios, Disneyland, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Knott's Berry Farm and Sea World... …

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Does this tour have a live guide or is it pre-recorded? I see both being mentioned.

When we went in November of 2018, it was a live guide, a gentleman who was very funny, informative, & entertaining. We wore earbuds so we could hear him easily. He did have a few pre-recorded bits too, like songs that matched up to the places we… more

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Overall rating

606 reviews

My family and I just did the Hollywood Dreams and Nightmares Tour with guide Brian Donnelly and it was INCREDIBLE. The tour itself was very informative. Perfect for the Halloween season, but could easily be enjoyed year round! Now, for Brian.. WOW! What a truly WONDERFUL tour guide! Whatever you need to do to keep Brian around, make sure you do so. We couldn't have expected such a wonderful afternoon spent with him. He was brilliant. Wildly knowledgeable and an all around great time! A raise, an award, a monument on Hollywood Blvd.. whatever it is, he deserves it! You can tell he loves his job, which makes the experience that much better!

Purchased tickets for the tour from a street kiosk and they directed us to the bus which left on time. They have complimentary headphones to listen to prerecorded tour details but unfortunately the recording wasn't working so it just crackled and had feedback noises. The driver didn't compensate for the messed up recording with any facts of his own over the intercom, he just said it doesn't work. We were thinking of getting off and waiting for the next bus but the next bus would have been 45+ minutes so we decided to just google details about each stop. The city bus would have been better in this regard. We got off in Beverly Hills and walked around a bit, the next bus was 40 minutes later than the time that was listed on the timetable. The driver was very nice but she talked over the recorded messaging with her own facts so we couldn't hear the recorded message. We decided to pull out our headphones and listen to her version but the loudspeaker was messed up so there was squealing feedback on the things that she was saying. We ended up just getting off and ubering to the remaining landmarks that we wanted to see so that we wouldn't miss our flight home. The busses were nice and some seemingly inexpensive upgrades to the audio system could have made this a pleasant experience. The drivers were safe and courteous, nothing bad to say about them. I called the phone number on the back of the receipt and explained the issues about a week ago and the gentleman that I spoke to was very nice and understanding, he asked me to email this to the customer service email along with my receipt number but I didn't hear back. I called and was told that if I didn't hear back then it was determined ineligible for a full or partial refund.

their new Dreams and Nightmares tour is a true crime bus tour focusing on Hollywood and the Sunset Strip area. Have your cameras ready because Brian will warn you before great shots of iconic streets and buildings. We saw Michael Jacksons house, we learned about John Belushi's passing, and got to visit a small hidden cemetery where true A-listers are interned.

See all photos from K.M. T. for Starline Tours of Hollywood

We live in LA but have never been on the Celebrity Homes tour. Decided give it a try with Starline after some comparisons. Compared to other sites, it was really easy to find info for the tour, book online, and best of all, they are up-to-par tech wise so they were able to issue a barcode ticket that can be added to your apple wallet. As for the tour itself, the bus is decent. It could use some sprucing up but other than that, seats were okay. Since it was the celebrity tour, it's the smaller hotel shuttle style bus which is allowed to go into the residential areas. For the price, this tour was pretty good. Very reasonable for 2 hours. Our driver was very knowledgeable, friendly, and we did enjoy visiting all the places slated for this tour. The driver recommends $10 a person (adults) as tip so just be prepared to tip, that is if you feel it's warranted.

I had high hopes for this tour as our hotel recommended it. The convenience of the hop on hop off bus was great, however the bus never showed up at the first stop. We waited almost an hour. The "tour" is a prerecorded audio rather than an in person guide. So we couldn't ask question, or if we didn't hear what was said have it repeated. If I would have know there wasn't a guide (like the tours in nyc) I would never have booked. The owner Lisa was very accommodating and apologized that we waited so long for a bus that never showed up and had another driver pick us up from one spot and brought to another for the bus. She also gave us a discount and was very kind and helpful on the phone.

I'm picky but loved the convenience and views on top deck. You can't beat it! Drivers have a tough job in the LA traffic. Bus pretty clean. Routes were worth it. Some content on headphone tour outdated, businesses gone. Customer service was good when I called with questions. Only tour I've done in LA. Yes, I'd recommend it so you don't have to drive.

The Hollywood tour is a waste of time. This company is very unprofessional. Use another tour company if you are in Hollywood.

My friend and I wanted to do a celebrity tour so we went with Starline. There's also a tmz bus which we probably should have done, but the girl selling starline of course said "starline was better." She was nice so we listened. DO NOT book with BRUCE. He was a nice older gentleman, HOWEVER, he had trouble remembering almost everything!!! He did not even finish his sentences!! He took long pauses to where i had to ask if he was ok??? He said he was having issues remembering. you can hear him whisper under his breath about wanting to remember. I felt so bad for him but also this is time and money i wasted. I think he may need to be cleared to drive again. He also even hit someone while driving! I wanted to just go back immediately and it wasn't even an hour into our tour. FINALLY on the way back there was traffic, and he started to doze off for a second! I had to ask him plenty of times if he was ok! Definitely NOT WORTH THE MONEY!!!! I did not feel safe in the vehicle or felt like i learned anything

If I could give zero stars I would. I booked the 7 pm tour as this was the only time I could go due to a short trip. My teen son was really looking forward to this. We arrived a little before the recommended 30 minutes before start of tour and checked in with the star line booth located on the sidewalk. He instructed us to just line up at the curb close to the 7 pm time and the van/shuttle will pick us up from there. 7 pm rolls around.... No shuttle. Conveniently, the guy also packs up his sidewalk booth. 10 minutes after, I call the number on our ticket voucher. No answer and of course mailbox is full. Tried again another 10 minutes later..., nothing. We waited until 735 then left. Mind you, there was a total of 6 of us... all out of town travelers who booked and paid for in advance for a company who was a no show for a tour... who does that? Hella sketch. Highly upset, disrespected, and a total waste of time and money. Now I need to be inconvenienced even more to reach out to get a refund if I'm lucky to get that.

This was our second tour with with Starline, about a month and a half ago we took the celebrity homes tour, and this time we booked the dreams and nightmares tour, honestly my sister and I loved the tour, we had the best driver her name was Lisa, & our tour guide was Brian , they were both very delightful, friendly , and very knowledgeable about Hollywoods history , and dark history also, we drove by Hollywood Blvd , and sunset Blvd , by all the stores , restaurants , some celebrity homes, famous people committing suicide , or been murdered, we were taken to the Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park & Mortuary, where Marilyn Monroe, Don Knotts ,Hugh Hefner , Bettie page and dean Martin lay to rest , and many more ,many stories were told and conspiracy theories , everyone's history etc , Brian took us on a walk all around the cemetery , it was very pleasant we even passed by the Halloween house , and the witches house, it was a lovely 2 hrs will take another tour soon ! Brian is right we gotta be a tourist in our own city, we learned a lot !

See all photos from Jess R. for Starline Tours of Hollywood

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Starline Tours

• See all photos

The Original Celebrity Homes Tour

Los Angeles: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Los Angeles Private Custom Tour

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

STARLINE TOURS (Los Angeles) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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South India Tour & Holiday Packages

Travel to south india.

Located in the Peninsular Deccan Plateau, surrounded by the Arabian Sea, South India covers the mountainous ranges of the Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats. Spread at an expanse of over 635,780 sq. km, South India comprises the states of Tamilnadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telengana and Pondicherry (Puducherry). It also covers the union territory of Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands.  Tamilnadu is the oldest state in South India, and its capital city of Chennai is the oldest corporation in the world after London. Tamilnadu, as a state, fares well in the areas of Healthcare, Education and Job opportunities. Karnataka is a melting pot of globalisation with the age-old traditional values of the region.  From the IT powerhouse of Bengaluru to the Mysuru Palace of the erstwhile Maharajas, Karnataka, with its many mysteries, can simply leave you stumped! 

The state of Kerala was named as one of the ten paradises of the world by National Geographic Traveller. Kerala is popular worldwide for its lovely backwaters, rural tourism and ecotourism. Andhra Pradesh is bejewelled with abundant natural beauty, a unique cultural heritage, wildlife and of course spicy foods.  Its twin state, Telengana, though a newly formed state, houses Hyderabad, a trendy destination among tourists, being the IT hub of India. Secunderabad, located not far from Hyderabad has one of the best city infrastructures.

Pondicherry, a quaint touring destination built for preserving the remnants of the onetime French heritage, is known all over for its gorgeous beaches, historical forts and temples to churches. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a secret, unperturbed and relaxed holiday getaway, perfect for ardent beach and nature lovers. Lakshadweep, a cluster of Islands in the Arabian sea, has world-famous beaches featuring crystal clear blue waters and coral reefs. 

Kerala Tour Packages

Kerala is famous for its luscious coconut trees, Crystal clear beaches, and Houseboats. God's own country has plenty of serene gifts to offer to tourists. It has the best waterfalls, and it's famous for eco-tourism in South India. Kerala has the highest literacy rate, and it has beautiful villages to treat the eyes of tourists.

Tamil Nadu Tour Package

Book Tamil Nadu Tour Package at Starline Travels today and create memories that last forever. Our Tour Package is completely customizable based on your needs. Why wait? Explore the best Tamil Nadu itinerary and talk to us!

Why Tour South India?

Though there are many reasons to travel down to South India, the region’s fascinating cultures, lovely land and vibrant colours make it a magnificent touring region any time.  From the lush green plantations and mist-hidden hill station towns of Ooty, Coorg Hills, Kodaikanal, Munnar to the calm backwaters of Kerala, majestic temples of Hampi & the Meenakshi Amman, Mahabalipuram to the golden coastlines of Pondicherry, safari rides of Mudumalai Sanctuary and bustling markets of Charminar, T Nagar, South India is still a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

View the ravishing beauty of the sunset in Kanyakumari, the spectacular scenes of the fisher throwing out his net in Kochi or enjoying the composite shades of pink and blue of the Lake Vemband waters. South India is home to several endangered species which you are certain to find at the Periyar National Part at Thekkady, Bandipur Reserve, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary or other wildlife sanctuaries. Not to mention the Ooty Botanical Garden and Tamilnadu Agricultural University that make perfect educational touring destinations. Do you love architecture? South India is full of architecture marvels, and most of its temples and shrines, especially in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, some several thousands of years old, are still in sublime condition. 

When it comes to satisfying your taste buds, South India is second to none. Every part of the region surprises you with its distinct regional flavours including indigenous masalas and spicy curries, whether you’re a carnivore, vegetarian or vegan. Finally, South Indians are among the most genial and hospitable people in the world. A trip to South India is going to leave indelible memories etched deeply in your mind

 South India Honeymoon Tour Packages

There are over 40+ honeymoon touring destinations in South India including Kovalam, Varkala, Bekal, Alleppey, Kumarakom, Rishikonda, Puducherry, Kanyakumari, Gokarna, Kottakuppam, Lakshadweep, Kabini, Thekkady, Wayanad, Idukki, Coorg, Ooty, Kodaikanal, Coonoor among others. A honeymoon trip to South India is no less exciting than one to North or Western India as it will leave honeymooners stumped wanting for more travel experiences. Looking to book honeymoon packages to South India, look no more than Starline Travels , the leading tour company.

South India Pilgrimage Tour Packages

South India is a land of spirituality where some of the oldest religions in the world coexist in complete harmony with each other. Top pilgrimage destinations in South India such as Guruvayur, Tirumala, Sabarimala, Madurai, Thanjavur, Hampi, Samalkot, Kanchipuram, Rameswaram, Bhadrachalam, Velankanni, Nagore and more resonate with the religious beliefs of millions of devotees and tourists traveling from all over to pay obeisance to deities and spiritual masters. Turbo charge your spiritual growth with our pilgrimage tour packages to South India.

Adventure Trips in South India

If you think South India is no place for adventure tourism, think again, as it offers a range of adventure and sporting activities that can pump up your adrenaline. Popular adventure tour destinations include Hampi, Bangalore, Coorg, Udupi, Lakshadweep, Ramanagara, Gokarna, Bheemeshwari, Kochi, Murudeshwar, Varkala, Dandeli, Mahabalipuram, Thekkady, Kanakpura, to name a few. If you’re still searching for the super fun place to bring out the adventurer in you, South India is where you must be with our adventure tour packages. 

Education Tour Packages to South India

South India has always topped the charts as an education and learning hub. Kerala is the only state in India with a record 100% illiteracy rate. South India boasts of a number of education travel destinations including Hampi, Mahabalipuram, Meenakshi Temple, Bannerghatta Biological Park, Tipu’s Gumbaz, Bekal Fort, Kalady, Paradesi Synagogue, Mysuru Zoo, Kanyakumari, Silent Valley, Lepakshi, Edakkal Caves, St. Thomas Mount and more. Give a headstart to your practical and experiential learning by touring South India with Starline’s education tour packages to South India.

 South India Family Tour Packages

Because South India has something for everyone in the family, it is a perfect place to explore with your friends, family or solo. Spend your time in leisure with your family touring Coorg, Wayanad, Kodaikanal, Pondicherry, Munnar, Tirupati, Alleppey, Kumarakom, Kochi, Kanyakumari, Thekkady, Trivandrum, Hyderabad, Warangal, Araku Valley, etc. We have tailored a range of Leisure & Family Tour packages to South India for you to make the most of.

South India Travel Packages & Prices

South India, as a region, offers every little thing a traveller may aspire for. It is also the safest region in India to travel around with a great sense of security and peace of mind. The recommended time to visit South India is during the winter season, with the peak months of travel being December to February when the weather is at its best. So, what are you waiting for when we can help you prepare the right South India Tour itinerary and plan with our budget travel packages and prices.

Santa Monica Tours

If you’re visiting the Los Angeles area and making Santa Monica your home base, there’s no better way to explore than booking a Santa Monica tour. Whether you stick around town and explore Santa Monica Beach and the coast on an electric bike, or if you plan to venture out and explore the greater Los Angeles area, the possibilities are endless when you’re visiting Santa Monica.

Discover the best Santa Monica tours and nearby tours of LA below. We’ve rounded up tours for multiple budget types, interests, and areas, so you can enjoy city sightseeing like never before!

Van & Bus Tours Of Santa Monica And Los Angeles

City tours by bus are great options for those who want to cover a lot of ground during their tours. Most are affordable and visit a variety of locations around Santa Monica and Los Angeles, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride while snapping photos to your heart’s desire!

Starline Tours

Starline Tours  offer a variety of sights to see from their Hop-On, Hop-off double-decker bus tours. Check out the stars’ homes tour to see where your favorite celebs reside throughout Beverly Hills and LA or take the classic Hollywood tour to see major attractions and landmarks like Rodeo Drive and the Griffith Observatory.

With daily departures and multiple stop locations throughout Santa Monica, Starline bus tours are a great addition to your Santa Monica visit.

A Day in LA Tours

A Day in LA Tours  offers all sorts of Santa Monica and Los Angeles tours, including private tours, tours to/from Disneyland, and tours with beautiful views of Santa Monica and Venice Beaches’ iconic two Muscle Beach locations. Guided tours pick-up from the heart of Downtown Santa Monica or from several Santa Monica’s hotels. Check out their themed “Rastabus” and in-depth itineraries for your next trip.

LA Discovery Tours

LA Discovery Tours  offer luxury vehicle rides and knowledgeable hosts who can give you amazing insider tips and stories for an unforgettable tour experience of Santa Monica and other areas in Los Angeles.

Surf City Tours

Whether looking for a half or full-day tour, Surf City Tours has it all. Choose your vibe for the day, with tours focused on surfing to celebrity hangout spots in Malibu. All tours start from Santa Monica and hablan español.

Santa Monica Bike Tours

Whether you’re ready to pedal or would prefer to scoot on an electric bike tour, two-wheeled tours are a fun way to take advantage of Santa Monica’s numerous  bike paths  while seeing the city.

Pedal…or Not Electric Bike Tours of Santa Monica

Check out  Pedal…Or Not  for a fun and unique electric bicycle tour of Santa Monica. You’ll experience Santa Monica Beach, the Venice canals, and many other attractions bus tours can’t reach, all with interactive and experienced SoCal expert tour guides.

Santa Monica Bike Center

The  Santa Monica Bike Center  offers guided bike tours for the whole family, in addition to walking tours, bike rentals, and bike repair! See them for any and all biking needs while you visit Santa Monica.

Joy Ride is an all-inclusive premier bike tour & rental business that’s suited for any rider’s need. Catch one of their gorgeous sunset tours for an unforgettable view of Santa Monica Beach that you’ll want to snap a few photos of.

Legends Beach Bike Tours From Blazing Saddles Rentals at Perry’s

Legends Beach Bike Tours  begin on the iconic Santa Monica Pier where riders will see multiple famous sites and attractions along a 2-hour guided tour. After 5 miles of easy cruising, riders will know all the best spots to eat, shop, play & explore in the area.

Food & Drink Tours From Santa Monica

If touring Santa Monica through your tastebuds sounds more your speed, check out these delicious tour options with bites and sips at every stop!

Malibu Wine Tours

Malibu Discovery Tours  offers luxurious wine tours of Los Angeles, Malibu, Santa Barbara & other SoCal wine areas based from Santa Monica. Indulge in some amazing varietals while taking in the beautiful scenery of Malibu and the Santa Monica Mountains.

Underground Donut Tour

Donut culture has a deep history in California and  Underground Donut Tour celebrates all things donuts, sunshine, and beachfront fun in Santa Monica. The two-hour walking tour makes four stops at some of the city’s best donut shops including Randy’s Donuts, Sidecar Doughnuts, an unexpected location that serves famous California churros, plus a surprise bonus stop.

Taste of Santa Monica Walking Tour & Sweet Spots Dessert Bike Tour

The  Santa Monica Bike Center  offers two must-do food tours in Santa Monica. The first is a walking tour, Taste of Santa Monica, where you’ll visit a variety of cuisines and see the historic  Santa Monica farmers markets . The second is their Sweet Spots Dessert bike tour, where you’ll ride along to various sweet local stops.

Six Taste Food Tours

The  Six Taste Food Tour  of Santa Monica, offered as a private walking foodie’s paradise tour, can’t be missed when you visit Santa Monica, considering it’s a hub for quintessential SoCal cuisine, inspired by fresh, local ingredients. Call to book ahead of time, and experience hidden gems and let your taste buds run wild!

Other Santa Monica Tours

The fun never stops with Santa Monica tours! Check out a variety of other tour options in addition to the types listed above.

• Tour the historical Santa Monica Pier and learn the storied past of this iconic landmark.
• Black Santa Monica Tours and Concierge offers a tour created to preserve and promote the history of African Americans in Santa Monica and LA.
• Unique Santa Monica Tours  – check out our list of tours that are all about the vibrant and special Santa Monica community and its history.
• Tour Santa Monica with knowledgeable locals as your guides with eco-friendly, locally owned and operated Green Goddess Pedicabs.
• Stretch those legs after a long drive or flight and take a  Santa Monica Walking Tour of Downtown .
• For even more tours in the SoCal area that depart from Santa Monica, check out our list of the  best day trips from Santa Monica  and the numerous tours listed there, like picturesque boat tours from Santa Monica to Catalina Island!

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The unmissable addition to Disneyland’s Star Tours ride? Space whales

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Disneyland’s Star Tours: The Adventures Continue has proved to be one of the theme park’s most versatile attractions.

Though perhaps no longer the groundbreaking technological marvel that it was when it debuted in 1987, the flight simulator ride has shifted with the franchise, withstanding cultural trends and aligning with whichever version of “Star Wars” is popular at the moment — or in need of a marketing boost.

The latest update to Star Tours brings the ride into the Disney+ era, with nods to series such as “The Mandalorian,” “Ahsoka” and “Andor.” More noteworthy, at least for Disneyland guests, is that the centerpiece of the latest upgrades is a scene that provides a slight tonal shift for the attraction, one focused, albeit briefly, on slowing down and giving so-called starspeeder riders a look at one of “Star Wars’” more majestic creatures. Star Tours will now rocket guests straight to a moment that boasts a close-up with the purrgil, essentially large, mysterious space whales that move with a galactic grace.

Travel & Experiences

Want to see Disneyland’s most advanced animatronics? Visit Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

With new droids at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and some of the most lifelike characters ever created at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Disney is looking to wow guests.

April 4, 2024

For the 3-D attraction, its a moment that provides a breather. The motion simulator lingers for a few seconds, and our makeshift animatronic captain, the golden droid C-3PO, turns to face riders. C-3PO shifts into tour guide mode, appearing in awe of the purrgil and commenting on how serene the animals are.

“This will be different from other sequences, to have a moment,” said Tom Fitzgerald, a senior creative executive with Walt Disney Imagineering, the company’s secretive arm devoted to theme park attractions, when asked about taking a patient approach to the scene. “You don’t get many moments. It’s so compact. But it’s a moment to let people look at the beauty of this, and the 3-D gives you the scale of those creatures.”

The additions to Star Tours are arguably the centerpiece of Disneyland’s all-things-”Star Wars” promotion Season of the Force , which debuted this past weekend and runs through June 2. The “Star Wars” festival also sees new droids making their way to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge through the duration of the event, as well as the return of Space Mountain overlay Hyperspace Mountain and a new free scavenger hunt that aims to get players to pay close attention to the minute details of Galaxy’s Edge.

Fitzgerald has been with Star Tours since the ride’s beginning, and oversaw the latest Star Tours additions, which further deviate the attraction from any strict “Star Wars” timeline and instead focus it on being a sort of “greatest hits” for the brand. The purrgil scene also features Rosario Dawson’s Ahsoka Tano and the character’s svelte, fast-rotating starship above the planet of Seatos. Tano’s ship inspired Imagineers to see if they could add some new tricks to the attraction, mainly in the way the simulator can move. When Tano’s vessel twists and spins, for instance, the starspeeder attempts to mimic it, endeavoring to create the feeling of a 360-barrel roll. At other times, the starspeeder glides among the purrgil.

Key to Star Tours’ longevity, and what makes it the rare motion simulator that doesn’t feel rooted in the 1980s, is its ability to create new sensations via its movements. The ride now has more than 250 storyline variations, and when adding to the attraction, Imagineers are looking for ways to heighten the contrast among its various scenes, both tonally and in its maneuvers. Though Star Tours is typically randomized — for the foreseeable future, and definitely throughout Disneyland’s spring Season of the Force promotion — all riders are guaranteed to visit the new location and receive an early-flight transmission from one of the recently added characters.

“How do we make each of the places we go have a different color palette?” says Fitzgerald, who then recalls different “Star Wars” planets that can be featured in the attraction’s random programming. “Mustafar is all lava. Kashyyyk is all green jungle. So they feel very different when you get the combos. And then motion-based. Could we do a barrel roll? That’s the fun of doing it, and programming it and trying it. And we needed something else. What have we not done? So with the purrgils, what if we do skiing through the tentacles? We had never done that. So those are the two big motion changes.”

The attraction is also livened up by appearances from Dawnson’s Tano, Diego Luna’s Cassian Andor and a masked Din Djarin from “The Mandalorian.” While the latter is played and portrayed by Pedro Pascal on the Disney+ series, many have noted that the Djarin on “Star Tours” features a slightly different vocal cadence than Pascal, and an Imagineering spokesperson says the company is not revealing its voice actors for the attraction. Nevertheless, “The Mandalorian” moment features some comic relief — and clever 3-D usage — courtesy of Grogu, colloquially refered to as “baby Yoda,” and his penchant to use Force powers to toy with and eat frogs.

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The three appear as transmissions that help define the suddenly urgent narrative of Star Tours. “Each one is different,” Fitzgerald says. “Mando and Grogu we played for comedy. And Andor is mysterious. You don’t see his face. You see this thing coming toward you. Is that a friend or foe? And then he pulls his hood and the music changes.” Tano, meanwhile, arrives like an old friend who knows C-3PO and fellow droid R2D2. Riders are advised to pay close attention to the opening cinematic in a ship’s hangar, as there is a new randomized opening that features Tano in a lightsaber battle with Stormtroopers.

As for why the new additions perhaps lean a bit more heavily on “Ahsoka,” as it is that series that features the planet of Seatos and the purrgil, Fitzgerald had a simple answer: yes, it’s the space whales.

With access to early scripts from Lucasfilm, Fitzgerald says he singled out the purrgil scenes. “Reading about that, not knowing what they looked like initially, I was going, that’s going to be really cool.” And, at least for a few seconds, relatively calming.

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Todd Martens joined the Los Angeles Times in 2007 and covers a mix of interactive entertainment (video games) and pop music. Previously, Martens reported on the music business for Billboard Magazine. He has contributed to numerous books, including “The Big Lebowski: An Illustrated, Annotated History of the Greatest Cult Film of All Time.” He continues to torture himself by rooting for the Chicago Cubs and, while he likes dogs, he is more of a cat person.

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